Philosophy Bites

William B. Irvine, a modern-day Stoic, discusses the relevance of Stoicism today. Topics include the origins of Stoicism, famous Stoics throughout history, managing grief, embracing positivity, and the goal and strategy of attaining tranquility through Stoicism.

Steven Lukes, an influential scholar known for his work on power, discusses its multifaceted nature. He highlights the difference between authority and genuine power, showing how compliance doesn’t equate to real influence. Lukes introduces a three-dimensional understanding of power, emphasizing its subtle role in shaping beliefs and perceptions. The conversation also touches on the impact of cultural norms on identity and the complexities of individual empowerment in the face of social structures, drawing from Foucault’s insights.

The historian and writer Theodore Zeldin gives his personal take on the relation betwen philosophy and history in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. 

What part do emotions play in our appreciation of art? Jesse Prinz explores the sense of wonder at artworks in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.

What is a conspiracy? Why do conspiracies - real or imagined -  matter to philsophy? Cassim Quaassam explores these questions in conversation with Nigel Warburton

Are all truths relative? That's an attractive idea for many people. Tim Williamson, Wykeham Professor of Logic at Oxford University discusses why and attempts to immunise us against sloppy thinking in this area.

How does your view of the self affect your attitude to your own death? Shaun Nichols discusses this question in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.

Warning: this episode on the philosophy of swearing includes swearing. Rebecca Roache discusses swearing and whether there are good arguments for refraining from it. 

We're all irrational some of the time, probably more of the time than we are ready to acknowledge.  Lisa Bortolotti discusses the nature of irrationality with Nigel Warburton in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. 

There are many ways to deceive with words, some of which don't involve lying. In this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast Jonathan Webber considers whether it matters or not if you lie.